If you are not a fan of Brussels sprouts try using thickly sliced leeks with broccoli or cauliflower instead. This will also make a good vegetarian option for Christmas lunch if you leave out the bacon.

Turkey is now available all year round but I associate this dish with Christmas. This is my favourite roast stuffed turkey recipe. You may think the stuffing seems dull because it doesn't include exotic-sounding ingredients like chestnuts and spiced sausage meat, but in fact it is moist and full of the flavour of fresh herbs and the turkey juices. Cook a chicken in exactly the same way but use one-quarter of the stuffing quantity given.

If you've never had beef short ribs before, you're missing out on one of life's great pleasures. Beef short ribs should be so tender that the meat almost falls off the bone with a fork. Serve them with soft Parmesan polenta as suggested here, or they are also delicious with creamy mashed potatoes.